LifeInContrast.com

Roughly seven days ago, my 29 year-old brother lay in the hospital with severe back pain, unable to move or feel his legs.  The doctors were testing him, frantically trying to figure out what the problem was.  When they said there was a possibility that he would never walk again, it was hard to fathom and very scary.  On a steroid drip and getting multiple injections and tests, this period has been tough for Andy and for my entire family.

Now Andy is recovering in Canada with my parents and my sister Cindy.  He is making progress, able to walk slowly on his own, although it’s unclear whether he’ll regain full mobility.  It’s still such a shock that this happened to my vibrant, healthy younger brother.   If you’ve met Andy, then you already know that he’s extremely creative and full of life.  That’s why it was so hard to see him incapacitated and in despair.

The spinal virus has receded, but has left behind massive medical bills since Andy wasn’t covered by insurance.  He may qualify for some assistance, but the remaining financial obligation is still intimidating.  The bar/pub where Andy works put out a bowl to raise money for him; one regular put in a hundred dollar bill!  Another put in one thousand dollars!  Very touching.  It makes me think of the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, where the entire town files into George Bailey’s house and makes a contribution to help him get his head above water.

This Christmas, I’m celebrating with Denise and her mom Bonnie, who has come all the way from Seattle to visit.  It will be a little “different” than Christmases back home, to say the least.  Although this is a Muslim country, there are Christmas decorations and songs in the malls and supermarkets.  The ojek drivers said “Merry Christmas” to us several times yesterday, which was really cool.  But I’m thousands of miles away from the rest of my family, who are recovering and feeling grateful.  I’m feeling grateful too, and in a way this might be the best Christmas ever, because my brother is still alive and is getting better.  All I want for Christmas (Dad) is a quick video of Andy dancing a jig.  Doesn’t have to be too wild, just a little dance.

Merry Christmas everyone - I miss you.